Cost Effectiveness of Risk Mitigation Strategies for Protection of Buildings against Terrorist Attack
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 22, Issue 2
Abstract
The technical note considers the cost effectiveness of risk mitigation measures for protection of buildings to terrorist threats. Protective measures might include vehicle barriers, perimeter walls, blast resistant glazing, strengthened perimeter columns, etc. Indicative values of attack probability and characteristics of commercial buildings in the United States are described. The cost effectiveness of protective measures are calculated from a preliminary economic decision analysis that includes cost of the protective measures, attack probability, reduction in risk due to protective measures, and failure consequences. Economic risks due to terrorism are compared with risks from hurricane and seismic hazards.
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Acknowledgments
This work was undertaken while the writer was on sabbatical at Ohio State University. The writer appreciates the discussions and support from Professor John Mueller from the Mershon Center for International Security Studies, and Prof. Hojjat Adeli and Prof. Halil Sezen from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Geodetic Science. The support of the Australian Research Council is also gratefully acknowledged.
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© 2008 ASCE.
History
Received: Mar 20, 2007
Accepted: Jul 13, 2007
Published online: Apr 1, 2008
Published in print: Apr 2008
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